Editor's view - In the public eye

One of the articles we've run in this issue of Nursery World made me feel quite sad when I read it.

'Going public' (pages 26-27) reports on an international project involving British nurseries and encouraging young children's engagement with their local communities.

There are some very heartening stories of nursery schools taking children into public and civic spaces with mutual benefit to both the children and the people they met.

One nursery school, however, did not have such a good experience. When the children made chalk drawings on the pavement, some residents complained that this was graffiti. And when people were invited to come and sit with the children to chat, they didn't want to.

The head teacher is determined to turn all this into positive outcomes by, for example, inviting residents in for nursery school events.

But what a pity that the initial message that the children received was that they are not welcome in their local public spaces, that their voices should not be heard, and that they are not valued as stakeholders in the community.

We are not always very good in this country at tolerating, and actually enjoying, young children's presence in and contribution to public spaces. From toddlers to teenagers, it seems that being seen, and heard, is a source of annoyance and even fear for many adults.

Young children need to engage with their local community; they shouldn't be hidden away from public view, however good their settings. We need more work such as this project to overcome barriers and allow children to grow up as citizens who will contribute to a better society.